Organization: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Job Requisition ID: JR00003042
Location: Bama, Borno State (Stabilization Center)
Employment Type: Full-time
Application Closing Date: Open (Early application encouraged)
POSITION OVERVIEW
The IRC is seeking a highly skilled Medical Doctor to serve as the Senior Nutrition Officer for our Stabilization Center (SC) in Bama. This role is the clinical heartbeat of our nutrition response, responsible for the day-to-day management of children admitted with complicated Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). You will provide technical oversight, lead a multidisciplinary clinical team, and ensure that every child receives care that meets National and International (CMAM) standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Clinical Excellence & Inpatient Management
- Specialized Care: Provide direct clinical management for complicated SAM cases in accordance with National guidelines.
- Clinical Oversight: Conduct thorough examinations, authorize laboratory interpretations, and manage differential diagnoses for children with co-morbidities.
- Nutrition Follow-up: Monitor weight gain, edema resolution, and ensure correct therapeutic feeding (F-75, F-100, Resomal) protocols are followed.
2. Technical Leadership & Capacity Building
- Mentorship: Provide on-the-job training and theoretical coaching to SC nurses and health workers on stabilization protocols.
- Professionalism: Supervise the clinical staff, ensuring high ethical standards and dignity for patients and caregivers.
- Performance Management: Directly manage the SC team (Nurses, Registrars, Cleaners), including workplans, timesheets, and capacity development plans.
3. Program & Commodity Management
- Stock Oversight: Manage and forecast needs for essential medicines, nutrition commodities, and consumables.
- Data Integrity: Oversee the collection, compilation, and analysis of SC data, ensuring accurate recording tools and monthly reporting.
- Integration: Work with the hospital dietician and pharmacist to ensure holistic care and timely food/drug distribution.
CANDIDATE SPECIFICATIONS
Education & Professional Status
- Essential: Medical Degree (MBBS) from an accredited university.
- Registration: Must be currently registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) with a valid practicing license.
Experience & Skills
- Clinical: Minimum of 2 years post-graduation experience.
- Technical: Proven experience in the clinical management of SAM and Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM).
- Sector Knowledge: Previous experience with International NGOs is highly preferred.
- Languages: Fluency in English and Hausa (Spoken and Written). Knowledge of Kanuri is a significant advantage.
Managerial Competencies
- Ability to lead under pressure in unstable security environments.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data software (Epi-info/SPSS).
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and qualified candidates should apply via the IRC Careers portal.
The IRC is an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize the dignity of our patients and the professional growth of our staff.
Success Blueprint: Senior Nutrition Officer (Doctor)
The Stabilization Center Doctor (JR00003042) is one of the most critical clinical roles in the Borno humanitarian response. To stand out, your application must demonstrate that you are a Clinician-Manager.
1. Master the CMAM Protocol
The IRC follows the National Guidelines for the Inpatient Management of SAM.
- Key Knowledge: You must demonstrate a deep understanding of Phase I, Transition, and Phase II of stabilization care.
- Pro-Tip: In your CV or interview, mention your experience with F-75 and F-100 therapeutic milk and Resomal. Specifically discuss how you manage medical complications like hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and severe dehydration in malnourished children.
2. Clinical Data & Reporting
As a Senior Officer, you aren’t just treating patients; you are managing a program.
- The Task: You must produce case studies and quantitative reports.
- Software: If you have experience with Epi-info, SPSS, or advanced Excel, highlight it. The ability to analyze morbidity and mortality trends is what separates a Doctor from a Senior Nutrition Leader.
3. Supply Chain Collaboration
Stabilization centers fail when they run out of F-75 or life-saving antibiotics.
- The Deliverable: You will collaborate with the hospital dietician and pharmacist.
- Strategy: Highlight your experience in stock forecasting. Mention how you have managed inventory to prevent stock-outs in previous roles.
4. Staff Leadership in Bama
Bama is a high-pressure environment. You will supervise a team of nurses and support staff.
- Leadership Style: Show that you can provide “Supportive Supervision.” Discuss how you have built the capacity of nurses to handle overnight emergencies and correct documentation errors without compromising morale.
5. Final Checklist
- [ ] MDCN Certificate: Ensure your registration details are clearly visible on your CV.
- [ ] Keywords: Include “SAM,” “Stabilization Care,” “CMAM,” “F-75/F-100,” and “Capacity Building.”
- [ ] Bama Context: Mention your readiness to work in Bama and your ability to communicate in Hausa/Kanuri to build trust with caregivers.
You are the clinical lead in the fight against childhood malnutrition. Apply with purpose.